The most common excuse many people give for not starting a fitness routine is not finding enough time. But establishing a routine goes a long way in improving the overall life quality, allowing women to engage more effectively in other areas of life, according to most experts who spoke at the ‘Happiest Her’ summit held in Bangalore in March 2024. They emphasized on the importance of prioritizing time for women and their health, while sharing their insights in a panel discussion on women and fitness.
“Busy with their jobs and taking care of their families, women tend to sacrifice their time and make a lot of adjustments,” said Wanitha Ashok, celebrity fitness professional, and Fit India Ambassador speaking at the summit organized by Happiest Health. “Exercise keeps you physically and mentally fit; without it, you are unfit and must exhaust yourself while going about your busy life,” she added.
Finding time for fitness for women
As a solution for finding time for your exercise regimen, Mahasweta Ghosh, marathoner and senior director-marketing, Sutherland Global Service Ltd., Gurgaon shed light on how to balance physical activity, and other commitments in your life.
“I have dedicated time in my everyday life to whatever I want to do. I had strategically planned out my routine, which is now a habit. I get up early and go to work out. I choose the morning hours because it does not interfere with me or anything else during that time. You do not have to bother about anything except yourself during this time. Also, there is a lesser chance of you missing it in the morning. In the evening, you might be preoccupied with something else.”
Home chores are not a complete workout
According to Ashok, home chores do not count as a full workout regimen, contrary to the widespread belief that just doing household work makes you fit.
“A lot of people believe since they are doing home chores they do not need to go to the gym or do any other physical activity. Household work is a non intermittent workout; it cannot be counted as a complete workout routine,” said Ashok.
“If you are a right-hander, you will be mostly using your right hand while doing home chores, overusing that side while your left hand is not getting any movement. This involves overusing one part of the body and underusing the other,” she added.
Components of a balanced fitness regimen for women
Unawareness or misconception may lead people to focus only on certain elements of fitness, such as stretching or cardio. For overall well-being, experts advised women to concentrate on four aspects: cardiorespiratory workouts, strength training, flexibility, and skill development.
“There are so many skills that people do not understand their real-life value. Skills such as balance, coordination, neuromuscular integrity, speed, mental and physical agility, reflexes, etc., are skills that help a lot in your daily life. You can work on these skills through your fitness routine,” said Ashok.
“For instance, when you play a sport, you are doing a lot of things at a time. You are moving, concentrating, balancing, etc. simultaneously. In such a way, you can improve many skills at the same time while engaging in activities like sports,” she added.
Takeaways
- Doing household chores is not a substitute for a full exercise regimen; rather, it is a non intermittent workout.
- Cardiorespiratory exercises, strength training, flexibility, and skill development are essential for the overall wellbeing of women.
